RECOVER REFOCUS RE-ENERGISE

Kildare Library Service Interim Development Plan 2020 - 2022 A huge thank you to all staff, library members, non-library members who contributed to the development of this library development plan. In particular special thanks to Gillian Allen, John Blake, Oisín Cleere, Emma Doran, Louise Lawlor, Betty Maguire and Bridgette Rowland for their invaluable input and insight. Special thanks also to Peter Carey Chief Executive and Sonya Kavanagh Director of Services for their support and commitment to the provision of library services. Most importantly, thank you to our elected representatives for their continued engagement with and support for the library service. Contents

Foreword 04

Ambitions and Achievements 05 - 06

Introduction - The Impact Of Covid 07 - 10

Spaces, Access and Service Provision 11 - 18

Digital Development 19 - 21

Learning and Information 22 - 38

Community, Culture, Cooperation 39 - 56 and Partnership

Marketing and Promotion 57 - 59

Research, Monitoring, Review 60 - 62 and Evaluation

Library Team 63 - 65

Public Consultation Survey Results 66 - 72

Library Contact Details 73 - 74 Foreword This plan sets out a clear vision for the development of Library Service over the next two years. Prepared by the library service and adopted by in accordance with the Local Government Act 2001, the plan is set within a framework of six key strategic aims and associated actions. This interim plan will furthermore allow for the alignment of future Kildare Library Development Plans with future National Public Library Development Plans 2022+. With the conclusion of the current Kildare Library Development Plan ‘Ideas Realised’ the service has taken the opportunity to develop an interim plan that will provide a structure and roadmap to allow for the recovery of community library services. Covid has impacted on many pillars in society and in particular the cultural pillar where libraries reside. The plan charts the significant successes and highlights of the past plan, including the development of the award winning Community Library, winning ‘Best Library Service’ twice, increased opening hours, free WiFi, delivery of extensive eServices, increased cultural programming and the establishment of a single library management system providing customers with access to over 15 million items of stock. The plan throws a spotlight on many of these successes and paints a picture of a service that has continued to reinvent itself and meet challenges proactively. The coming years present an altered operational landscape and actions are distilled into six strategic aims: • Spaces, Access and Service Provision • Digital Development • Learning and Information • Community, Culture, Cooperation and Partnership • Marketing and Promotion • Library Team We would like to thank everyone who helped to shape these strategies and plan. Extensive online consultation with staff, stakeholders, members and non-members informed this plan and results of the online survey are displayed in infographics in the last chapter. Over 700 people responded to the online survey with 94% stating that libraries are ‘very or extremely important’ in their community. Whilst this is a strong affirmation of the role of community libraries, the service knows it has challenges ahead and this plan provides the roadmap to proactively work to ensure services are relevant to the needs of all members of our community. We wish to thank the staff of Kildare Library Service for their creativity, enthusiasm and energy as they continue to improve and develop a service, finding new and inventive ways to reach new audiences as they deliver innovative community led programmes. The plan sets the scene for the current operating environment and explains how the 6 strategic aims will allow for an adaptable service, using innovative technologies, creating new ways of engaging with our communities, employing new platforms to support our communities and as a service to recover, refocus and re-energise. Councillor Mark Stafford Peter Carey Cathaoirleach Chief Executive Kildare County Council Kildare County Council 4 AMBITIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Our ambitions for the future are informed and inspired by Kildare County Council's economic, social and cultural policies, the Kildare Local Authority Corporate Plan and the Public Library Strategy 2018 - 2022 "Our Public Libraries 2022".

5 6 A GLIMPSE OF ACHIEVEMENTS

5 6 Introduction - Impact of COVID-19

In February 2020 the first confrmed case of COVID-19 was announced in Ireland and by 12th March, the government had closed all schools, colleges, childcare facilities and cultural institutions including public libraries.

Kildare Library Service immediately responded to the public health requirements and adjusted our method of service delivery during the global pandemic. From the start of the shutdown 32 library staff were redeployed to Áras Chill Dara to staff the Community Call helpline. Our experienced library staff quickly adapted their information provision skills supporting vulnerable communities when they were most needed.

During the period of shut down library staff continued to deliver services to our communities by working remotely. Promotion of our online platforms, which include eBooks and eAudiobooks, eLearning, eLanguage Learning, eHistory, eComics, eNewspapers and eMagazines resulted in a surge of library membership and an unprecedented increase in user numbers. Using our social media channels members of the library team began to deliver story times and craft tutorials for children from home. A library blog was created so staff could write articles, publish book reviews and suggest reading recommendations. Despite the challenges many library staff also availed of opportunities that arose for online CPD through courses, workshops and Webinars.

7 8 In Phase 2 of the Government Roadmap to Easing Restrictions and Reopening Ireland’s Society and Economy, Library staff were able to return to our libraries. Initially we linked with the Community Call Helpline to provide a Home Delivery Service to vulnerable people cocooning at home. Shortly afterwards we developed a safe Contact and Collect Service. Patrons could contact the library by phone or email to request a bag of library items chosen by library staff on their behalf based on their personal reading preferences.

By the end of June Kildare Library Service was offering an online booking system for patrons to visit the library to borrow and to use the public access PCs. This booking system allowed for controlled numbers of patrons in our buildings. In advance of this public and staff safety measures around COVID-19 were put in place including comprehensive risk assessments, protective perspex screens, sanitisation stations, PPE, signage, additional cleaning services and redesign of library layouts to allow for social distancing and one-way systems.

The impact of COVID-19 on every aspect of our lives has required Kildare Library Service to re-imagine our methods of service delivery and how our patrons can continue to use our libraries safely. Our proposed library development plan should have focused on developing our community outreach, increasing our engagement with agencies and groups and events and activities face to face in our libraries.

Instead COVID-19 public health controls have required us to adapt and review our service delivery and produce a development plan that concentrates on a period of recovery allowing us to transition to a brighter horizon. We are moving slowly from a short-term emergency response approach to a medium term approach of managing risk and repairing the damage COVID-19 has inflicted on society. A Framework of Restrictive Measures has been developed by the government that includes 5 levels. Access to library buildings and services will depend on which level we are operating at and we can expect to move in and out of levels throughout the duration of this global pandemic.

7 8 We can start to refocus on how best to continue to provide services in a safe way with reduced physical contact while at the same time facilitating social interaction and supporting our communities. Streamlining our membership processes, expanding our online collections and moving our events, workshops and festivals online will ensure we can continue to deliver an inclusive and accessible library service until the public health emergency has lifted.

Kildare Library staff have risen to the challenge of COVID-19 and through their ability to adapt to the “new normal” we have produced a two-year Library Development Plan focused on the use of innovative technologies, creative new ways of engaging with our communities and new platforms to support educational, social and cultural inclusion. As a reputable information provider we understand the importance of providing our communities with reliable sources of information. In a world increasingly divorced from facts and truths our staff and service will strive to ensure our communities have access to fact over fiction. This plan will allow Kildare Library Service to Recover, Refocus and Re-energise

Marian Higgins County Librarian

9 9 10 Spaces, Access and Services Provision

The library is the reason I did well in my Leaving Certificate - free, accessible study spaces are essential, thank you!

The library is an essential service and adds value to our quality of life...

I think it's really important that libraries create conversational spaces to help tackle loneliness and isolation...

-survey comments Achievements from 2015 – 2019 Physical Spaces and Access • New Athy Community Library in former Dominican Church • Community Library Redevelopment • Community Library Redevelopment • Accessible building improvements across the service • Sensory Garden • Chambers Excellence in Local Government Best Library Service Winners 2017 and 2018 for Support to Secondary Schools Programme and Athy Community Library • Climate Actions - Completed Energy Survey for Kildare Town Library in 2019 and energy efficiencies achieved through lighting and heating upgrades • Kildare Library Service has representation on the Climate Action Team in Kildare County Council

Service Provision • Free library membership and removal of fines • Increased user-friendly opening hours throughout the county • Development of Toys, Technology and Training collections and expansion of events programme • Healthy Ireland and Work Matters collections • Implementation of Age Friendly Policy and Programme

12 Spotlight on: ATHY COMMUNITY LIBRARY Best Library Service Award Winner 2018

“Your space to connect, to learn, to explore and to enjoy”

In 2018 Kildare Library Service was awarded the Best Library Service Award at the Chambers Excellence in Local Government Awards for the new Athy Community Library. The project involved the redevelopment of the former St. Dominic’s Church to a high quality, modern and accessible community facility while carefully preserving an architecturally important building, its artwork and stained glass windows.

Athy Community Library received €1.65 million in funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Library Capital Investment Programme 2016-2021, with Kildare County Council investing an additional €2.1 million.

The redevelopment of the landmark former church into a community library provides a new use for the building, in turn guaranteeing its long-term viability and preservation.

The new library enhances the social, cultural and economic regeneration of the town of Athy by providing services, spaces and opportunities such as life-long learning, enterprise development supports and community participation. The library offers study spaces,free WiFi, free public access computers, digital meeting facilities, and self-service printing. Opening hours at the new library increased from 33 hours per week to 48 hours per week.

13 The library’s relocation to the former Dominican Church in Convent Lane was greeted with great enthusiasm by the community. In the first 9 months of opening, more than 80,000 people vis- ited the new library and over 4,500 people became members. In its first year open the library hosted more than 500 community and arts events including concerts, lectures, classes, work- shops and exhibitions for adults and children.

Speaking at the official opening on 3rd May 2018, Mr Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development stated “It is clear that a lot of planning, hard work and attention to detail went into the delivery of this wonderful community asset. The building has been lovingly transformed from a church to a modern library, using innovative design, careful conservation and forward planning… this library is your space to connect, to learn, to explore and to enjoy”.

14 Spotlight On: MULTI-SENSORY GARDEN, LEIXLIP COMMUNITY LIBRARY The Multi-Sensory Garden was the winner of the Library Association of Ireland Project Prize 2018. In 2019 the garden was officially opened in Leixlip Community Library with the purpose of encouraging social inclusion in the community and to promote and increase access to the Toys Training and Technology collection.

Multi-Sensory and Multi-Functional Community Space • Raised beds were built to allow a variety of ASD-friendly workshops to take place and plants of varying textures, colours and scents were used to appeal to the senses. • A pathway through the beds was laid with various underfoot textures. • Wind chimes and an oversized xylophone built by the Leixlip Men’s Shed provide sensory and auditory stimulation. • A mural entitled ‘The Wonderful Past’, providing visual and tactile interest, was created by local artist Holly Delaney and ties the whole garden together. • The Purls of Wisdom knitting and crochet group celebrated their 10-year anniversary and to mark the occasion created a yarn bombing exhibition in the multi-sensory garden. • The space is particularly therapeutic for those suffering from sensory problems, for example children and adults with ASD, those suffering from dementia and other sensory processing disorders. • It also acts as an educational space where adults and children can discover more about na- ture and interact with the environment around them while influencing their behaviour and their development of social relationships. • The garden helps to raise disability awareness and promote social inclusion and encourage community development and integration, giving us an outdoor space which all members of the community can enjoy.

15 Spotlight on: CASTLEDERMOT LIBRARY REDEVELOPMENT

Extensive upgrade works which were part funded by Local Property Tax from the Athy Municipal District commenced in Castledermot Library in October 2019.

These works included: • Extensive conservation works on the original stained glass windows • A full upgrade of the internal lighting system to energy-efficient lighting and heating • A full new internal fit-out, decorating and new flooring • The new layout and design allow for a community space for talks, workshops and small meetings • New public access PCs • New book and multi-media stock

Members of the public were invited to the re-opening of Castledermot Library on Saturday, 29 February 2020. The opening of the redeveloped library coincided with National Public Library Day which celebrated the diversity of services offered at your local library. Cathaoirleach of Kildare Councillor Suzanne Doyle joined with new members to experience the refurbished bright and welcoming library.

16 Plans for 2020 - 2022 Physical Spaces and Access:

• Instigate risk assessments for all buildings and adapt the existing buildings to manage the public health emergency • Ensure that library buildings are accessible, modern and attractive across the network • Progress the detailed design preparation for development of a new County Library and Cultural Centre in Newbridge under URDF Part B Funding Grant • Progress Phase 1 of County Library Project - preparation, cataloguing and digitisation of Local Studies and Archives material • Progress accessible, environmentally friendly building improvements across the library network • Complete new capital project - Naas Library and Cultural Centre • Complete new capital project - Library • Complete Changing Places accessible bathroom in new Naas Library • Investigate developing Collaborative Maker Spaces in suitable locations • Investigate options to improve library services in • Investigate developing quiet times, sensory spaces, purchasing sensory pods and sensory walls, installing and promotng Tovertafel in libraries • Review and update the Disaster Prevention Policy for Kildare Local Studies and Archives • Continue to review all library signage across the service • Continue to monitor and review Health and Safety measures for staff and patrons • Progression of energy efficiency upgrades under Small Works Capital Funding. Works include upgrade on the windows and replacement of the heating system in Kildare Town and replacement/refurbishment of the windows in Maynooth Library

17 Service Provision:

• Provide optimum, user-friendly opening hours currently accessible via an online booking system - access to libraries dependent on government public health guidelines for COVID-19 • Redefine the user experience exposing a unique cutural experience that engages all the community • Progress the introduction of My Open Library service as per public health guidelines • Progress new service offerings for capital projects in Clane and Naas • Endeavor to meet the current per capita stock fund target of €4 • Implement all relevant county and national library policies • Continue to provide the Mobile Library Service • Pending the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions reinstate services to Naas Hospital • Pending the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions extend and promote Toys, Technology and Training collection • Extend and promote the Touch Type Read Spell service (via online access where necessary) across the library network • Expand and increase the promotion of Healthy Ireland and Work Matters Collections • Continue to implement Age Friendly Policy and pending the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions expand Age Friendly Programme • Continue to provide a Housebound Home Delivery service for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency

18 Digital Development

I found the library blog to be a great resource and I cannot recommend it highly enough...

The eLibrary was a life saver during the lockdown...

I am especially delighted with BorrowBox and eAudiobooks...

-survey comments Achievements from 2015 – 2019

• Implementation of Sierra - first national Library Management System • WiFi introduced in all locations • Expansion of eServices • RFID service introduced in all locations • Implementation of a programme of ICT infrastructure upgrades and developments e.g. digital screens, 3D printers and public laptop and tablet lending services • Extension of public IT training programme

20 Plans for 2020 - 2022

• Continue to research and utilise technological advancements to enhance library services • Launch Library App • Redevelop Library website • Support tender process and introduce new library management system • Upgrade WiFi across the library network and investigate possibility of WiFi in Clocha Rince Library • Maximise WiFi connectivity to library and surrounding areas • Deliver tailored digital literacy IT training programmes in response to user needs • Develop digitisation of Local History and Archive collection and continue to develop and promote the eHistory services • Provide self-service printing in all libraries • Continue to provide interactive online courses and learner support • Promote online membership • Continue to extend the provision of online services to include Library Blog, live-streaming and pre-recorded story times, workshops, lectures via our Vimeo/Zoom channels, online book clubs on Facebook • Continue development and extension of online and 24-hour virtual services including a Chat Box or query option on our website • Continue to promote and support the development of online content for national programmes such as Decade of Centenaries and Creative Ireland

21 Learning and Information

I think the library should have monthly environmental events to help people plan and mitigate biodiversity & climate breakdown...

An amazing resource to the community fostering life-long learning and literacy.....

Engagement with the staff is so important especially for children so that a love of reading is harnessed, nurtured & encouraged...

-survey comments Achievements from 2015 – 2019

• Introduction of the national Right to Read literacy development programme including Summer Stars, Spring into Storytime and Family Time at your Library, Young Readers Festival and Children's Book Festival • Delivery of local reading programming such as Beyond the Book Young Readers Festival • Expansion of the Support to Secondary Schools Programme • Introduction of the national Work Matters employment and career development programme • Introduction of the national Healthy Ireland at Your Library campaign and events programme • Introduction of STEAM Programme for Primary Schools (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) • Introduction of Home Energy Efficiency Testing kits available for lending in all branch libraries • Inclusion of Climate Action and Biodiversity events in STEAM and Support to Secondary Schools Programmes and as part of branch library events e.g.ecycling workshops

23 24 Spotlight on: WORK MATTERS Business and Employment Support Services

.Work Matters is an innovative service provided by libraries in all 31 local authorites It provides support (together with local partners) to people seeking employment or developing small businesses. Local partners include the Local Enterprise Office (LEO), the INTREO service, the Education and Training Board (ETB) and Citizen Information Centres. The service is managed by a Work Matters co-ordinator in each local authority.

The key elements of Work Matters include • Dedicated, branded spaces with computers, broadband and Wi-Fi • Printing and scanning facilities • Book-stock and online resources to support employment and business activities, • Expertise of library staff providing support through the relevant resources • Sign-posting to local information • Events and programming on business and work-related topics

The Work Matters Programme in Kildare Library Service includes • Dedicated book collections, including online collections via Borrow Box • Online databases: Vision-net and Mintel • Dedicated meeting and events spaces • Laptop and tablet lending service • Free WiFi • Printing, photocopying and scanning facilities • Programmed workshops and information sessions in support of Work Matters at the library • Business advice clinics in partnership with the Kildare Local Enterprise Office • Online training courses through Universal Class • Online eLanguage learning • Computer classes-provided on an ongoing basis throughout the county

25 Grant Funding

2017 Library Ireland Development Funding (€21,860 claimed for Work Matters) This was used to purchase book stock, tablets, projectors & screens, promotional material and our MINTEL subscription.

2018 Funding to Support the Establishment of Public Libraries as Digital Learning Centres and Enablers of Digital Services.

Some of the items received under this scheme were in support of Work Matters • Meeting collaboration pods with interactive smart TVs for four libraries • Laptop and tablet lending • Upgrade of public access PCs • Samsung Flip devices to enhance meeting spaces

COVID-19 For the duration of COVID-19 access to Work Matters services will be dependent on what level we are operating at based on the Framework for Restrictive Measures. The programme will be adapted for online delivery and remote access to supports.

How to Bo orrow a Laptop o or Tablet

To B orrow a 1. Press LaptopL loanapto orp Tablet Loan on the screen or Tablet 2. Hold your library card up to the card reader to scan barcode 3. Key in your PIN 4. Click Accept to our terms and conditions 5. The screen will tell you which device is issued to you and the light inside the relevant locker will flash 6. Open the locker, unplug the charging cable and remove the device 7. Close the locker

To Return a Laptop 1. Press Return on the screenor Tablet 2. Hold your library card up to the card reader to scan barcode 3. Key in your PIN 4. The screen will tell you which locker to return the device to 5. Open the locker, plug in the charging cable and place the device in the locker 6. Close the locker securely 7. Check that the red light at the side of the locker has illuminated to confirm that the system sees the laptop and is charging.

Note that th po e devi wer cab ce will le is reco remain secur onnected on y ely. d to the our ca device rd unl and the ess the locker d oor is cl osed 26 Spotlight on: HEALTHY IRELAND AT YOUR LIBRARY

Healthy Ireland, a government-led initiative, is the national strategy to improve health and wellbeing, placing a focus on prevention, individual awareness and keeping people healthy for longer. Kildare Libraries participates in the nationwide Healthy Ireland at Your Library campaign, which establishes public libraries as a valuable source within the community for health information. The programme is jointly funded through POBAL and the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The programme provides: • A comprehensive collection of books on health and wellbeing available in all branch libraries • Online resources including eBooks, eAudiobooks & eMagazines • An annual programme of events including talks, discussions and workshops with a focus on physical health, mental health and health literacy • Training sessions which build the knowledge and skills of library staff to meet user needs for health information and to respond confidently to user requests and provide direction to rele- vant health resources • Branding and promotion including national and local campaigns, promotional materials and online promotion through the Libraries Ireland website and social media.

The Kildare Healthy Ireland at Your Library Programmes in 2018 & 2019 aimed to help to improve the health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life of communities and individuals at all life stages. The programmes included free talks and workshops from professionally accredited experts in the areas of diet, exercise, psychology, mindfulness, mental health, sport and activities. Healthy Ireland at your Library

The Healthy Ireland at Your Library service is available in all local libraries across the country

Health Information Guidance on access to information

Books on Health and Wellbeing Large collection of books on health and wellbeing Online Health Information E-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines

Programmes and Events Talks, discussions and workshops relating to various health and wellbeing topics

For further information and to provide feedback, go to www.librariesireland.ie Individual library service logos here

03713-LGMA-HIYL-A4Poster-FINAL-Proof#02.indd 1

27 09/01/2018 16:14 Spotlight on: STEAM PROGRAMME

The Kildare Libraries’ STEAM programme supports primary schools across the county through a range of workshops and events in the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths. This programme recognises the increasing importance of technical and scientific skills for future careers and that the foundations for these skillsets begin in early education. The series of workshops position the library service as a key player in giving children the opportunity to engage with STEAM subjects in a fun and stimulating environment.

The key elements of the STEAM Programme include • The STEAM programme runs throughout the academic year with workshops scheduled to tie in with key science festivals such as Space Week, Engineers’ Week, Maths Week and Science Week • The programme has been running since 2015 and over this time it has grown both in scope and reach • In 2019 we delivered 194 workshops across the county as part of the programme reaching an audience of over 6,000 primary school children with workshop topics spanning from robotics to planetarium visits to Lego engineering workshops • We have fostered strong relationships with national and local organisations such as the North Kildare Beekeepers, the Irish Peatland Conservation Council and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland as well as third-level institutions such as Maynooth University and the ADAPT Research Centre in City University

28 29 Funding • The programme is funded primarily by Kildare Library Service programming budget but has benefited from additional funding streams in previous years • In 2017 the Kildare County Council Community Section contributed €15,000 towards the programme while the Arts Office contributed €10,000 • In 2018, Science Foundation Ireland sponsored a number of workshops • In 2019 a grant of €8,000 was awarded towards the programme by Science Foundation Ireland

COVID-19 In 2020 the programme was adapted for online delivery, with facilitators delivering the workshops remotely through Zoom, to allow us to continue to deliver engaging and stimulating STEAM workshops in a safe environment. This new method of delivery has had surprising successes including new engagement with rural schools and schools who don't have transport to visit the library.

28 29 Spotlight on: CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVALS

‘Beyond the Book’, the Young Readers Festival in May, and the'Children’s Books Festival' in October form an important part of the library service’s supports for literacy and creativity in children and young adults. • During both festivals at least 60 events take place across Kildare’s 15 service points. • Author visits, illustrator tutorials, artist workshops and storytelling sessions are held to celebrate children’s books and reading • Events take place in library branches, and are offered as outreach to local schools to ensure as many children as possible have the opportunity to experience the magic of meeting their favourite authors and artists • During the 2015 to 2019 period mindfulness workshops for toddlers have complimented the Healthy Ireland programme, and a special emphasis on Irish rhymes and songs celebrated Bliain na Gaeilge • In 2018 Helena Byrne held inclusive and interactive storytelling sessions, especially tailored for ASD children, and those with other additional needs • In 2019, children throughout the county created their own little books with Tarsila Krüse • Local Kildare writers are included on the programme including Alison Healy, Amanda Kehoe, Pádraig Kenny, and Emma-Jane Leeson, in addition to national treasures such as Judi Curtin, Sarah Webb and Niall de Búrca Feedback Feedback from teachers and parents is overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting that the events have a positive impact on children’s attitudes to reading, writing and creativity. Children have an opportunity to hear about the writing process, or think about how pictures contribute to a story, and in the case of art and craft related activities, come away with a little piece of work they have created themselves.

30 COVID-19 In 2020 the programme was adapted for online delivery, with facilitators delivering the work- shops remotely through Zoom, to allow us to continue to deliver engaging and stimulating children's book festival workshops in a safe environment. Online workshops have proven very popular. Feedback from parents of children with ASD have been especially supportive as it has been easier for their children to engage with online events than if they had to attend events in the library.

A selection of comments from teachers in 2020

The Zoom meeting worked really well and it is great that you are still able to offer these workshops despite the current restrictions.

Wayne was just fantastic with the kids. So engaging and using some of their names throughout certainly took them by surprise. He was so accommodating and planned the Zoom meeting well in advance. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anybody.

We thoroughly enjoyed Maeve's workshop. It was our first online workshop and I was worried that the children would lose focus after a while. They were so engaged and we carried on the work we did with Maeve for the rest of the week. Thanks for a great afternoon. 30 31 Spotlight on: SUPPORT TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS PROGRAMME

Kildare Library Service’s Support to Secondary Schools Programme is an annual programme of events, workshops and classes aimed at supporting the school curriculum as well as career and personal development for students in secondary schools in Kildare.

The programme first ran in the academic year 2012-13 through three libraries. Since then it has expanded to cater for more students and schools each year. By 2019, all DEIS post-primary schools in Kildare were within the catchment area of a participating library.

Elements of the Programme: • The programme has separate tailored events aimed at the three stages of secondary school; Junior Cycle, Senior Cycle and Transition Year students • The programme provides opportunities for young people to learn in an interactive way out- side of the classroom setting • Most of the programmed events take place in the community library thereby also encouraging the young people who participate to become familiar with the library space and the services that are available

32 33 Examples of events in the 2018-19 programme include: • Junior Cycle: creative writing, interactive history workshops, forensics workshops, One Book One Year Literacy Project, and cryptography workshops • Senior Cycle: History and Appreciation of Art, Support for the Special Topic in History • Transition Years: create-a-comic workshop, careers workshop, STEM career taster workshops, Radió Rí Rá le Conradh na Gaeilge, and Hooked on Health with Eric Donovan

Measures of Success • Approximately 2000 to 2500 attendances are recorded at Support to Secondary School Workshops every academic year, taking place as outreach events or in library branches, and since COVID-19 online too • 15 second level schools across the county are benefitting from increased support for a wide range of subjects, in addition to improving literacy levels, providing career taster opportuni- ties, and engaging students beyond the typical classroom experience • The Support to Secondary Schools Programme won the Best Library Service Category at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards in 2017

32 33 Spotlight on: COISTE GAEILGE An aim of the development plan in 2015 - 2019 was to promote and facilitate the and Irish language events. This is in line with the government’s 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 and County Kildare’s Plean Teanga 2019-2023, which aim to ensure that Irish becomes more visible in our society. A new Irish Language Committee for Kildare Libraries, made up of staff members from each main branch, was formed in 2018 to increase the number of Irish events during Bliain na Gaeilge and beyond, working in conjunction with our Irish Language Officer.

• The committee programmed numerous events for all age groups e.g. Pop-up Gaeltachts, Irish song workshops, author visits, bi-lingual arts and crafts workshops, trad music sessions etc.

• In marketing Bliain na Gaeilge, a marketing plan was put in place which included seasonal prints to advertise events annually

• In conjunction with the County Kildare Tourism Board ‘Say it As Gaeilge’ pocket mini ‘dictionaries’ were produced, aimed at tourists visiting the county

• Foras na Gaeilge awarded Kildare Libraries a fund for the purpose of organising Irish language events in 2018 and again in 2019

34 35 • Ciorcail Comhrá was established in all main branches.

• Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Irish Classes began running throughout the year North and South of the county

• Irish Language events for all ages now occur regularly in all branches

• A review of all library signage was completed to ensure all signage is in dual language

• The Kildare County Council Irish Language Officer is Betty Maguire, Librarian, Maynooth Community Library

COVID-19 Since the arrival of Covid-19, this embedded Irish Language Programme of literary events and activities that would normally take place in our library branches has moved online, to accommodate our patrons and to hopefully increase the use and knowledge of Irish as a community language.

34 35 Spotlight on: CLIMATE ACTION – SERVICES AND PROGRAMMING

In 2019 Kildare Library Service introduced the Home Energy Saving Kit for lending. The kit was developed to help people understand their energy consumption and identify the most important areas of their home for energy upgrades.

• The kit has five practical tools and six exercises which will help you conduct your own home energy audit and find the easiest and most effective areas to reduce your energy • The kits are available to borrow free of charge from all main branch libraries in Kildare • The Kildare Library Service Programming Team has included workshops and events for adults and children on recycling, biodiversity, energy savings and climate action awareness across all county and local programming

36 Plans for 2020 -2022

• Continue to act as a reputable source of information signposting communities to trustworthy and factual resources • Effectively manage collection development to enable life-long learning and personal development for all stages of life consistent with the Kildare Library Service Collection Development Policy • Support the national Right to Read initiative which incorporates literacy, numeracy and reading development for children and young people through the development of both specialised collections and targeted programmes. Increase participation in the Elf Collection, Summer Stars, Spring into Storytime, Children’s Book Festival, Beyond the Book Children’s Readers Festival, Play2Read, Better Basics, Support to Secondary Schools Programme etc. • Through the Right to Read Committee, in partnership with KWETB, focus on strengthening adult literacy and targeted reader development programmes through Revisiting Old Habits, KRF, bookclub supports, One Book, One Community and explore new adult literacy initiatives • Through the Work Matters initiative act as a resource for those seeking employment, training, personal and career development. Consult and engage with LEO, Intreo, employment services, Merits Project, LEADER etc., as part of Work Matters protocols • Through the Healthy Ireland at Your Library initiative provide access to health and well being collections (digital and hard copy). Continue to develop an annual programme of events that contributes to improving the health, wellbeing and overall quality of life of our communities throughout all stages of life • Review the TTT collection and annual programme in support of children and adults with learning difficulties • Promote and facilitate Irish language learning including reading and conversation, staff training and programmed events • Create learning opportunities for girls in STEM to address the gender gap in women going on to study STEM subjects at third level. Workshops, clubs and upskilling of staff in this area to be prioritised • In line with the National Climate Action Plan work to engage with our communities through community outreach programmes in partnership with other agencies • Deliver information and public education to raise awareness of climate action, biodiversity and energy efficiency

37 Meet some of our library team in action!

38 Community, Culture, Cooperation and Partnerships

The library service in Kildare is the cornerstone of literature, culture and arts in the county...

TTT talks invaluable from a professional/personal point of view...

-survey comments Achievements from 2015 – 2019

• The Decade of Centenaries Programme including the 1916 Centenary Commemorations • The Irish Military Seminar • Expansion of the Kildare Readers Festival • Kildare Local Studies Digitisation programme • Expansion of collaborative partnerships to develop programmes such as Right To Read, Revisiting Old Habits, Better Basics, Play2Read, Let’s Talk About Parenting, Toys Technology and Training • Establishment of Kildare Creative Ireland Team and development of cultural programme • Established strong partnerships and programmes in education with Maynooth University, primary and secondary school. • Strengthened social and economic partnerships and programmes with CYPSC, direct provision centres and others engaged in social inclusion

40 Spotlight on: MY FIRST LIBRARY CARD My First Library Card was launched on 29th February 2020 by Kildare and Wicklow County Library authorities. The principle behind the MFLC programme is to prepare young children to succeed in school, partnering with public health nurses (PHNs) as first point of contact with new parents and asking them to encourage parents to get a first library card for their newborn and young children.

Following a successful application for Dormant Account Funding Kildare and Wicklow Libraries are developing a new collaborative literacy project building on the success of the My First Library Card. The library services in both counties will then engage with relevant agencies in order to reach parents from disadvantaged, marginalised and socially excluded communities and focus on the importance of reading aloud to their children and how this practice results in children entering Junior Infants with an enhanced vocabulary and an increased reading readiness.

• The proposed programme will provide a series of pre-recorded short talks in plain English aimed at the parents/guardians of children aged 0-5 years. The talks will focus on language acquisition/development and its link to literacy and school readiness • The target audience are not necessarily library users. As a result, the library service will work closely with community organisations in both counties to access our target audiences • Due to COVID-19 the programme has been adapted to an online format using pre-recorded talks which can be watched at leisure by parents. This format provides parents/guardians with the opportunity to attend talks without the added pressures of additional childcare needs. The format also provides both library services with a bank of resources suitable for use in the future

This project will be a collaboration between Kildare Library & Arts Services, Wicklow County Council Library Services, the Kildare Infant Literacy Group which includes members from KLAS, Kildare LEADER Partnership, Newbridge Family Resource Centre, Kildare Traveller Action Group, Naas Child and Family Project, Tusla, Kildare County Childcare Committee and Kildare CYPSC, Wicklow County Childcare Committee, West-Wicklow Inter Agency Group, Bray Travellers Development Group and Wicklow Travellers Group, Wicklow CYPSC and Wicklow Welcomes.

41 Spotlight on COUNTY KILDARE DECADE OF COMMEMORATIONS PROGRAMME The County Kildare Decade of Commemorations Programme for the 2015-19 period resulted in hundreds of events being organised and funded throughout County Kildare to mark the centenary of all aspects of life in County Kildare in the 1912-23 period. The aim of the programme was to deliver an inclusive, appropriate and sensitive programme that celebrated and commemorated the past by informing our citizens, engaging with them and delivering a programme which not only reflected our history but our character and creative spirit. The support of the County Kildare Decade of Commemorations Committee and of the five municipal districts of Kildare County Council, along with that of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht ensured that a wide-ranging programme of activities were organised for the community.

Lectures, publications, exhibitions, plays, art projects, documentaries and other community events were among the activities co-ordinated through the Local Studies, Genealogy and Archives Department of Kildare Library and Arts Service.

Highlights & Successes of the Programme: • Appointment of Historian-In-Residence in 2015 who co-ordinated events and gave talks to schools and community groups in 2015/16 • Co-ordination of hundreds of free events for the centenary of the Easter Rising in 2016, including re-enactment of the walk of Volunteers from Maynooth to Dublin • Éamonn Ó Modhráin Exhibition in Riverbank Arts Centre that subsequently toured the county • Unveiling of Statue in Naas & Ernest Shackleton Statue in Athy • Launch of 1916 Commemorative Gardens in Áras Chill Dara Naas, Leixlip, Kildare Town and Newtown, • Birth of a Nation concerts held in the five municipal districts • A wide range of local publications by local authors and groups supported through the programme • The annual Irish Military Seminar in Newbridge and John Devoy Seminar in Naas (from 2017) • 2019 events included public events marking the centenary of Kildare’s Senior All-Ireland Win (in association with Kildare GAA) and the centenary of the first Dáil • Co-organised events with community groups including local history groups, the County Kildare Archaeological Society, Prosperous Heritage Festival, schools and Kildare GAA • Shortlisting for Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards 2016, 2018 & 2020 42 43 Spotlight on: KILDARE READERS FESTIVAL

Kildare Readers Festival is brought to you each year in October by Kildare Library and Arts Services.

• Our ethos is to connect our readers with authors and artists, working to bring the very best from the world of literature to our audiences through the provision of exciting, innovative and accessible events

• Organised by Kildare Library Services in partnership with the Kildare Arts Service, and with support from the Arts Council, this unique partnership brings with it a diversity in programming and wider appeal

• Since the festival’s inception in 2010, our festival audiences have continued to grow with over 1,600 attending our ten-year anniversary in 2019. With all events free of charge, the festival has become a must for avid readers in Kildare and beyond

• In response to COVID-19, KRF 2020 has transformed to a fully online festival with all events streamed daily throughout the week and weekend

44 Spotlight on: WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAMME

In 2015, Maynooth University Department of English and Kildare Library and Arts Service collaborated to establish a Writer-in-Residence programme designed to support writers in the community, and to connect accomplished artists with students and the greater public.

• The appointments see the Writers-in-Residence teaching on campus at Maynooth University and in Kildare Libraries, as well as hosting public readings and other events during their tenure

• The programme supports artists in the local community and endeavours to foster engagement with writers and creative writing amongst the general public. The Writers- in-Residence facilitate a series of writing workshops to support creative writing groups in libraries throughout their year in residency

• The Writers-in-Residence also host an event at Kildare Readers Festival each year

Writers-in-Residence to date have included Eoin McNamee, Hugh Travers, Lindsay Sedgwick, Joanna Walsh, Rob Doyle, Sarah Maria Griffin, Christodoulos Makris, Paul Lynch, Annemarie Ní Churreáin and Sue Rainsford

The Writers-in-Residence 2020/21 are Dr Nathan O’Donnell and Susan Tomaselli.

45 Spotlight on: TOYS TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING (TTT)

The Toys, Technology and Training (TTT) Programme provides free access to a specialised collec- tion of toys and equipment for children and adults with learning difficulties, disabilities or more significant needs. The collection is supported by a dynamic series of talks and workshops each year aimed at supporting parents, carers, teachers, special needs assistants and those working in the area of disability.

Toy and Equipment Collection • There are currently over 100 items in the TTT catalogue with multiple copies available • In 2018 the TTT catalogue was updated to encompass several new categories within the collection including speech, language and social skills • The collection is currently being borrowed by almost 400 members

Talks and Workshops • Over 900 parents, carers, teachers and professionals attended talks, workshops and training in 2019 • Over 2000 people are currently on the mailing list for the project • In 2018 the TTT programme for the first time included ASD sensory storytime sessions with an opportunity for families of children on the spectrum to use the library space, while closed to the general public. This received excellent feedback • The programme of talks and workshops for 2019 was launched with a screening of the documentary ‘This is Nicholas – Living with ASD’, by filmmaker Nicholas-Ryan Purcell. We had such an extensive waiting list that a second screening took place later in the year • In 2019 we hosted the AsIAm Autism Experience Exhibition in Leixlip Community Library, which led to the exhibition being extended to other library locations around the county

Due to COVID-19, all events for the remainder of 2020 will move online with a mixture of supports, talk/workshop sessions and video content.

Successes • The TTT Programme was nominated and commended in 2018 for the Chambers Excellence in Local Government Awards under the Disability Service Provision category • As part of the LAI/CILIP joint conference in 2019, a paper was presented entitled ‘Kildare Libraries: A Space for All’, focusing on the success of the TTT programme 46 47 Spotlight on: LET’S TALK ABOUT PARENTING PROGRAMME

The ‘Let’s talk about Parenting Programme’ is a free series of talks and workshops offering sup- port to parents and professionals working with children in our community. Provided by Kildare Library Service since 2015, the series of talks are developed in partnership with other agencies and organisations such as the Kildare Children & Young People Services Committee, Kildare and West Wicklow Parenting Forum, HSE Primary Care Psychology Team, TUSLA and Foróige.

Elements of the Programme: • The programme consists of a free series of talks and workshops from experts and professionals in the field of parenting that take place in libraries throughout Kildare • It includes support for parents at every stage of their children’s development from babies and preschool, to school age including the often-difficult teenage years • It includes supports for parents in the area of their own self-care and mental health • The programme also provides continuing professional development opportunities to those working in a healthcare or educational setting and certificates of attendance are provided for participants. • There were 64 parenting events held in libraries during 2019

Supporting Families - Sharing the Learning Funding has been awarded from the Dormant Accounts Fund under ‘Library Supports for Marginalised, Socially Excluded and Disadvantaged Communities’ for a joint initiative between Kildare County Library Service and Kildare Children and Young Peoples Services Committee called ‘Supporting Families – Sharing the Learning’. This project builds on the strong foundation of inter-agency collaboration established through the Lets Talk About Parenting Programme and the Toys, Technology and Training Programme and is a response to a training needs analysis completed in 2020 by Kildare CYPSC. Through the initiative, a series of 9 online continuing professional development courses / workshops will take place in 2020 and 2021 to support those working with parents and children in services in County Kildare. This follows on from a successful series of workshops organised through the Lets Talk About Parenting Programme and provided by Barnardos to professionals in June and July 2020.

48 Highlights Highlights of the programme to date include the launch of the 2019 programme with a talk by David Coleman, clinical psychologist, TV and radio broadcaster, author and columnist. ‘Scared Kids: Supporting Children and Teenagers in an Uncertain World’ was a big success with 150 participants attending the event at the beautiful new Athy Community Library.

49 Spotlight on: AGE FRIENDLY PROGRAMME The Age Friendly Programme is an initiative being run by Kildare Library and Arts Service since 2014.

• It offers an Age Friendly Programme of events from April to June and September to December each year in the form of workshops and talks • The seven main libraries host this free programme, Athy, Celbridge, Kildare, Leixlip, Maynooth, Naas and Newbridge • Examples of previous workshops include drumming, genealogy, wild food foraging, wood carving, painting, chair yoga, weaving, library eService training. The programme has worked with the Collapsing Horse Theatre which has its residency in the Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge, Co. Kildare • It was also involved in an intergenerational storytelling and story-gathering workshop which were carried out in the Naas Day Care Centre and with the University of the Third Age in Maynooth • The Age Friendly Programme encourages older people to visit our libraries and participate in activities that offer social interaction with other workshop participants and facilitators, as well as library staff. For some, this might be their first library visit in many years and it is a great opportunity for them to see the many benefits it can offer • The workshops offer a range of positive outcomes by improving quality of life through participation, particularly for those who are feeling socially excluded and isolated. Many of the workshops offer physical exercise which is so important for one’s emotional, mental, physical and social wellbeing

Statistics Number of Workshops 326 workshops/events as part of the Age Friendly Programme from 2015 – 2019 Attendees Total attendance at all events (2014-2019) - 3,510

Promotion • Evelyn Cooley is the current Age Friendly Co-ordinator whose role it is to organise this programme and liaise with the older users in planning events • The Age Friendly Programme also ties in with the Healthy Ireland National Strategy and through its programme of events and its stock, Kildare Library Service contributes to improving the health, wellbeing and overall quality of life for individuals at all life stages 50 • Kildare’s Age Friendly Co-ordinator took an information stand at the Age Friendly Roadshows in each Kildare municipal district from 2016-2019 and at the Active Retirement Ireland Trade and Tourism Show in 2019 to promote the programme

• As part of the Age Friendly Programme, Kildare Libraries host an Age Friendly Library Day each year where older patrons can drop into their local library, have a cup of tea/coffee, chat with staff and find out what the library has to offer

Feedback • Any feedback we receive, either qualitative or quantitative, informs our future programme development • We collate attendance figures and feedback from facilitators, library staff and attendees and this is reviewed and discussed with the relevant stakeholders when planning topics for the following year • In 2019 as part of the Age Friendly Libraries Recognition Programme, Kildare Libraries under- took a survey of its older citizens to find out how ‘friendly’ they thought our libraries are and what could be improved • A survey section on the Age Friendly Programme was also included to acquire more feedback on how we could add to it and improve it

51 Spotlight on: RIGHT TO READ

Right to Read is the national library programme to promote literacy and reading development for people of all ages and backgrounds. Launched as part of the Opportunities for All: The Public Library as a Catalyst for Economic, Social and Cultural Development 2013-2017 libraries strategy, it currently includes four national programmes designed to promote children's reading and literacy.

Spring into Storytime • In April every library across Kildare hosts at least one story time event as part of this national programme. Kildare Libraries hosted an average of 40 story times each April with over 1,100 attendees

Summer Stars • The national Summer Stars reading challenge is held in libraries throughout the country to encourage reading for pleasure in children from June until the end of August. Kildare Summer Stars participants have increased each year by up to 20%. Over 150 Summer Stars events are held on average in Kildare Libraries throughout the summer with over 5,500 children participating in a range of events including arts and crafts, story time sessions, STEAM workshops, coding workshops, book-related workshops and much more

52 Children’s Book Festival • This annual programme every October helps spread the enjoyment of books and reading among children and families, authors and illustrators, teachers and librarians all over Ireland. Kildare Libraries have played host to over 850 children each October across a range of events including but not limited to author visits, arts and crafts, story time sessions, book clubs, movies, and STEAM workshops

Family Time at your Library • Family events and activities take place in all libraries during the month of December to support the involvement of the whole family in children’s reading. The aim of Family Time at your Library is to engage family members in the enjoyment of reading and sharing stories. The programme supports a family-focused approach to reading with children as part of the national Right to Read programme and to increase awareness of the benefits of reading and promote reading as a fun, recreational activity for children. Family Time at your Library began in 2018 and Kildare Libraries has hosted at least 40 events across our network of libraries in December as part of this initiative. Attendee numbers have averaged over 1,100 in 2018 and 2019

53 Spotlight on: BETTER BASICS BOOSTING READING PROGRAMME

The Better Basics Boosting Reading Programme is a reading enhancement programme designed to support and advance reading skills amongst primary school aged pupils. The programme is aimed at children who are not in receipt of mainstream learning supports in school, but who require some additional assistance to improve their reading. This is achieved through paired one-one reading with a reading volunteer to improve their reading skills and develop greater confidence in reading aloud. The programme uses a structured methodology which is focused on supporting the child to develop independent reading strategies. They will hone these skills over the duration of the programme and carry them with them as they progress in their education.

Results • Better Basics Boosting Reading has been running in Kildare since 2014 and 6 schools in Kildare have taken part in the programme to date with over 160 children having benefited from the one-to-one attention • The initiative helps to create and foster important links between the schools and the library service • Most of the students demonstrate a significant average improvement in their reading ability of between 10-12 months • Feedback from both volunteers and schools suggest the children gain confidence and pride in their abilities • Participating schools’ feedback also confirms that students have a more positive attitude to learning • The programme assists in improving children’s reading ability without adding pressure to scarce school resources, which is achieved through a collaborative approach

54 Plans for 2020- 2022

• Promote the role of the library as a community asset supporting social and cultural inclusion through online programming and the provision of free community space for cultural and arts events when COVID-19 restrictions end • Work in partnership with the Arts Officer, Heritage Officer, Climate Action Officer, Digital History Programme Coordinator and inter-agency partners to deliver a vibrant cultural programme supporting Creative Ireland and Kildare Decade of Commemorations • Continue to support the Writer in Residence in collaboration with Maynooth University • Promote Cultural Tourism in Kildare through the development and promotion of festivals – e.g. Kildare Readers Festival, Military Seminar, JuneFest, Shackleton Festival, Culture Night, Heritage Week. Until COVID-19 Health restrictions are lifted all festivals will be adapted as online events • Continue the acquisition of primary material relating to the County of Kildare. • Kildare Local Studies, Genealogy and Archives service will build on collections of local studies and family history and increase access to the collection through a digitisation programme • Digitisation of the Notebook Project working in collaboration with the Kildare Arts Service

55 • Develop a joint initiative between Kildare Library Service and Kildare Children and Young People's Services Committee 'Supporting Families – Sharing the Learning’ • Develop community profiles in order to explore new opportunities for cooperation, partnerships and inter-agency collaborative programming at local and county level e.g. Parenting Support Group • Pending the end of COVID-19 public health restrictions, provide physical meeting spaces, laptops and technology for use by community development agencies and groups etc • Act as an agent for citizen engagement and a reputable information portal for the community to access local authority information and online services e.g. planning, voter registration, Choice Based Letting etc • Through Work Matters, Healthy Ireland and Right to Read national initiatives, look to expand and develop collaborative inter-agency opportunities to deliver on objectives • Participate in national library working groups and committees to implement policies and actions that realise Our Public Libraries 2022

55 56 Marketing and Promotion

...I really like hearing what events are happening through the library newsletter... -survey comment Key Achievements from 2015 – 2019

• Establishment of a marketing team and development of a marketing strategy • Introduction of Kildare Library Service social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram • Rua and Oíche the library mascots • Introduction of CleverReach Newsletter with a reach of +20,000 individuals • Rebranding of library promotional material • Launch of My First Library Card in collaboration with Wicklow County Library • Successful engagement with the first National Public Library Day • Engagement with Library Ireland Week each year • Take a Closer Look national campaign

58 Plans for 2020 - 2022

• Marketing Team to develop annual marketing strategy including quarterly targeted campaigns to be reviewed annually • Conduct research in social media innovations e.g. other library services nationally and internationally • Continue to engage with national public library marketing campaigns developed by the Library Development Unit, LGMA • Examine expanding social media resources to include YouTube and podcasts • Expand the use of video on the library website and across all social media platforms to promote library services and programming e.g. live streaming or pre-recording story times, workshops and informative videos • Further engage in child-centered marketing strategies including My First Library Card, library mascots Rua and Oíche, child-friendly promotional material • Continue to expand CleverReach database to send event and programme updates • Develop Kildare Library App • Develop social stories for all libraries • Maximise communication potential of new LMS for SMS which can be used to promote library events • Develop membership drive plan targeting groups and locations within local communities in order to market and promote library services • Forge cooperative networks through social media e.g. following and sharing posts by local community groups, schools and organisations • Continue to promote library services and programming through our participation in forums and inter-agency partnerships e.g. Parenting Forum, schools, creches etc.

59 Research, Monitoring, Review and Evaluation Achievements from 2015 – 2019 • Development of the Kildare Library Collections Policy • Delivery of a number of public consultations including Decade of Commemorations, Creative Ireland, Age Friendly and Naas capital project • Your Library, Our Future online survey of library users and non-users through the Kildare County Council online consultation portal. Survey received 724 responses over a two- week period. • Quarterly analysis of service indicators including NOAC returns

Spotlight on: PUBLIC CONSULTATION A focus group met in Naas Community Library, October 2017, as part of the public consultation on Project Ireland 2040, for the Department of Housing, Planning & Local Government public consultation in large towns and also to give their input on the plans for a new library in Naas Town Hall.

Deirdre McNally, D’ink Studio, created this visual representation of all of the inputs and discussion points raised by the group including

61 • the belief that the majority of the population are “blow-ins” to the town • the belief that Naas is a commuter or “pillow” town • the importance of heritage and tourism to the town • the need to have amenities and services for families and young people

All of their input informed the conservation and development of Naas Town Hall as the new Naas Library and Cultural Centre while also recognising the importance of this iconic building in the cultural and commercial heart of Naas.

Plans for 2020 -2022

• Review Kildare Library Service Collection Development Policy annually • Conduct regular consultation groups in the areas of Age Friendly services, youth services and accessibility services across the library network • Examine the benefit of a facility for public feedback on the library website • Continue to collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative feedback to inform quality design and delivery of targeted library programmes and services for our community • Use Kildare County Council consultation portal for surveys and feedback on policies, services and capital projects • Develop a new inhouse system for libraries to return service indicators to guarantee current reliable statistics and ensure staff are trained on how to use it • Review methods of evaluation for county programming to ensure efficient use of funding and staff resources • Research best models of national and international practice • Engage in a consultative process towards the delivery of capital projects

62 Library Team

The knowledge and helpfulness of Kildare Library Service staff is vital and indispensable to the library service. Keep it up...

Being able to interact with the staff and seek their assistance is very important...

Engagement with the staff is so important especially for children so that a love of reading is harnessed, nurtured & encouraged...

-survey comments Key Achievements from 2015 – 2019

• Workforce Plan developed and implemented – all vacancies due to public service appointment embargo filled and additional staff recruited which included a new management structure • Ongoing programme of development for library staff established within the PMDS and Competency Framework • Ongoing support for library staff to engage in continuous professional development including professional librarian qualification • Health and Safety, GDPR, Child Protection and Autism Awareness training delivered to all staff • Kildare staff are sharing their knowledge and experience in national forums via lectures, workshops, webinars • Staff attended training organised by the Library Development Unit, LGMA, in order to develop and deliver national programme such as Right to Read, Healthy Ireland and Work Matters • Sharing of Kildare Library Service's best practice with other library authorities e.g. TTT programme, Parenting programme, audio recording studio, sensory garden • Library Ireland Week workplace shadowing in Maynooth University • Training in all online services delivered to branch library staff • Kildare Library Service supports work experience for TY students and students who want to study for the professional library qualification and we also support St. John of Gods workshadowing programme • Development and delivery of a training matrix for staff

64 Plans for 2020 -2022

• Continue to ensure appropriate staffing levels to enable excellent customer care and service delivery in each service point • Continue to deliver ongoing essential training focused on new technologies e.g. social media, digital equipment, coding, online services and new library management system • Continue to deliver essential training depending on new or changing services and policies e.g. Right to Read, Healthy Ireland Training, Child Protection, GDPR training • Provide opportunities for library staff to engage in professional development e.g. identifying and supporting staff to study for professional qualifications, supporting staff to complete LAI awards, attending and presenting at webinars, online workshops and pending the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions national and/or international conferences • Establish an ongoing programme of development for library staff within the PMDS and Competency Framework • Encourage a culture of innovation and creativity in service development and delivery – consider implementation of staff reward system • Engage in national consultation on staff training needs and implement recommendations

65 Public Consultation Survey Results

% ? Your Library, Our Future In advance of beginning work on the Kildare Library Service Interim Development Plan2020- 2022, it was important that we engaged in a process of public consultation with both the users and non-users of the library service. The development of a new Kildare County Council online public consultation portal allowed us to upload our survey Your Library, Our Future which could then be accessed by the Elected Members, the general public and all members of the Kildare Public Participation Network (PPN). The link to the questionnaire was also sent out via email to our CleverReach database of registered library members and shared on all our social media platforms. This two-minute survey was available online for 2 weeks and had 724 responses in that period. This is one of the most successful responses Kildare County Council has had to date for surveys via the public consultation portal which is even more impressive when we consider the impact of COVID-19.

The purpose of the online public consultation was to hear from users and non-library users of Kildare Library Service in order to help us plan for our library spaces, services and programmes for the coming years. The feedback we received from this survey has informed this new Kildare Library Development Plan and is reflected in our plans and ambitions. We are very appreciative to everyone who took the time to complete the survey. The results of the survey are outlined below and comments from the survey have been quoted throughout the Development Plan.

67 Importance of the Community Library

68 Services and Collections

69 Technology

70 Library Spaces

71 Marketing & Promotion

72 Athy Community Library Convent Lane Athy Co. Kildare R14 DK33 Phone: 045-980555 Email: [email protected]

Ballitore Community Library Mary Leadbetter House Co. Kildare R14 FP38 Phone: 059-8623344 Email: [email protected]

Castledermot Community Library Main Street Castledermot Co. Kildare R14 HX97 Phone: 059-9144117 Email: [email protected]

Celbridge Community Library St. Patricks Park Celbridge Co. Kildare W23 VA47 Phone: 01-6272207 Email: [email protected]

Clane Community Library The Woods Clane Co. Kildare W91 YW24 Phone: 045-892716 Email: [email protected]

Clocha Rince Community Library Clocha Rince NS Clogherinkoe Moyvalley Co. Kildare W91 DK57 Phone: 046-9553428

Kilcock Community Library Unit 2, The Lamp School Street, Kilcock Co. Kildare W23 AD66 Phone: 01-6284403 Email: [email protected]

Kilcullen Community Library New Abbey Road Co. Kildare R56 Y438 Phone: 045-482193 Email: [email protected] 73 Kildare Town Community Library Kildare Town Centre Claregate Street Co. Kildare R51 P403 Phone: 045-520235 Email:k [email protected]

Leixlip Community Library Captain's Hill Leixlip Co. Kildare W23 WR96 Phone: 01-6060050 Email: [email protected]

Maynooth Community Library Main Street Maynooth Co. Kildare W23 ND79 Phone: 01-6285530 Email: [email protected]

Monasterevin Community Library Watermill Place Co. Kildare W34 F6P6 Phone: 045-529239 Email: [email protected]

Naas Community Library Harbour View Naas Co. Kildare W91 A997 Phone: 045-879111 Email: [email protected]

Newbridge Community Library Athgarvan Road Newbridge Co. Kildare W12 W861 Phone: 045-906130 Email: newbridgelib@kildarecoco

Rathangan Community Library Canal Court Rathangan Co. Kildare R51 YX65 Phone: 045-528078 Email: [email protected]

Kildare Local Studies, Genealogy & Archives Department c/o Newbridge Library Athgarvan Road Newbridge Co. Kildare W12 W861 73 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] 74